flatware timeframe?

[gtoast99]

Hey all! I have a couple toughies today, but I think they're pretty cool. I found two pieces of broken flatware recently. Both came from the same site, a field where a building used to be, which has produced items from 1800-1930.

I'm trying to get an idea of the general timeframe of each piece based on style, etc.

The first one should be slightly easier, as there's a lot more pattern to go on. It's got a really great stars and flowers design. Looks almost "patriotic" to me. There is a circular "flare out" I guess you can call it in the middle of the handle just before the break. The circle also has a star design on it.

The second is a bit trickier. The handle has a pattern at the very top, but notice how asymmetrical it is. There appear to be three stamps on it, like makers marks perhaps. And oval, a rectangle, and another oval. There seems to be something written in the last oval, though I can't tell what. I can't tell anything in the first oval. The middle rectangle has what looks like, to me at least, a lion figure facing left. If I'm not mistaken that would be the English symbol for sterling, though the flatware is most obviously not.

That's what I've got for you.... any guesses

[Montana Jim]

The middle mark is an eagle.

Would love to see those cleaned up or photographed closer... I can just barely NOT see what they are.

What are they made of?

[gtoast99]

Thanks for the help! I'll try to get a better pic, but I don't think I can. Even in person I can just barely not see it, haha. They're either copper or copper-alloy, not sure which. I've heard "middle 1800's" enough on other forums that, barring further evidence, that's what I'm going to go with I think.

[creskol]

If you want to take time to scroll through a gazillion patterns, you might be able to find yours here:
http://www.silverpattern.com/pattern...ilverplate.htm

You might even try sending a photo of it to them at: info@silverpattern.com
Perhaps they can tell you something about it.
Good Luck